Becoming Mature Disciples of Jesus Christ Pastor Brad Hales [email protected] in Psalm 71:17-18 It Is Written
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Graying in Grace Becoming Mature Disciples of Jesus Christ Pastor Brad Hales [email protected] In Psalm 71:17-18 it is written, O God, from my youth you have taught me, and I still proclaim your wondrous deeds. So even to old age and gray hairs, O God, do not forsake me, until I proclaim your might to another generation, your power to all those to come. We’re never too old to grow in our relationship with the Lord and share the “Good News” of Jesus Christ, are we? Aging is a part of life, and the psalmist reminds us that God will continue to walk with us and use us to grow Christ’s Kingdom. And this is done is by becoming disciples and making disciples for Jesus. The facts are clear. America is aging at a rapid rate. Daily, 10,000 people are turning 65 years of age. By 2060 almost 100 million people in the United States will be 60 years old or more. The fastest growing population within the older realm will be those individuals 85 years and above. And then there is the church. The church is already feeling the effects of the “age wave.” The average congregational member is in his or her 60s. When you walk into many of our parishes a “sea of gray” overwhelms the pews; the shouts and laughter of young children are seldom heard. Some would surmise this is the reason the church is declining. Some would suggest that simply hiring a youth director would attract young families with children. While a possibility, this is not realistic in the majority of our congregations. We simply need to change our way of thinking. Instead of looking negatively upon an aging church, we should begin to see the possibilities for evangelism, discipleship and renewal. As the general population grows older, why can’t the church use this resource to grow “mature disciples” and bring about “vibrancy” within the life of the Body? This is the focus of our Bible study: Assisting older adults in clinging to the faithful promises of God, and “walking alongside” those who want to grow into “mature disciples.” Because as we grow into the discipleship of Jesus Christ, we will have several opportunities to disciple others. As it is written in Isaiah 46:3-4: “Listen to me, O house of Jacob, all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been borne by me from before your birth, carried from the womb; even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.” Session #1 – A Disciple? In the New Testament Book of Ephesians 2:8-9, the Apostle Paul writes: For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. There’s no doubt about it. Through God’s grace alone, through a God-given gift of faith in Jesus Christ, we’re promised life forever with the Lord. There’s nothing we can do to save ourselves. We can’t pay for salvation or store up enough “brownie points” to gain it. It is by God’s grace, this free and undeserved gift, that we are saved through the Savior. Through Christ’s crucifixion on the cross and His resurrection from the dead, our sins have been paid. We have forgiveness! We have hope! So, now what? It’s true that all who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. But Jesus wants us to grow in our faith. The Savior wants us to deepen our relationship with Him. How do we do it? By “Graying in Grace” — becoming mature disciples of Jesus Christ. Graying in Grace — 1 — © 2017, Pastor Brad Hales In Matthew 28:19-20 Jesus commands, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” What’s a disciple? The Greek word for disciple is “mathetes.” It means “pupil” or “learner.” As a disciple of Jesus, we are expected to make a commitment to Christ. We are expected to grow spiritually, reach out to others, and live our lives making other disciples in the name of Jesus. Becoming a disciple is much different from just being a church member. A church member worships occasionally, pays dues (offerings), and is a spectator when it comes to faith. But Christ wants something different from us. When we’re “connected” with the Lord, things happen! Please read and discuss the following Bible texts. What do they share with us about being disciples of Jesus Christ? • John 15:1-16 • Luke 10:38-42 • I Timothy 4:6-10 Are we ready for the challenge? We’re never too old to become disciples, and to make disciples for Christ. Graying in Grace — 2 — © 2017, Pastor Brad Hales Questions for Discussion (1) What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus? (2) Does “growing in discipleship” bring you excitement or fear? Why? (3) Why do you think it’s hard to be a disciple of Christ? Graying in Grace — 3 — © 2017, Pastor Brad Hales Session #2 – The Cost… The following Scripture may not be easy to read, but Jesus reminds us that there will be a cost for following Him. Please read and discuss Luke 14:25-33. Look at some of the things Christ is saying… “You cannot be my disciples, unless you love Me above all things.” “You cannot be my disciples, unless you carry your own cross.” “You cannot be my disciples, unless you give up everything you have.” Sobering words. But Jesus is laying it on the line. If we’re going to be His disciples, He must come first! We cannot let the things of this world, such as greed, possessions, control, guilt, addiction, worry, doubt, or even our own self- centeredness, become other gods. But it’s hard for us not to do this, isn’t it? Please read and discuss the following texts. • Genesis 18:1-15 • Luke 1:18-25 Even as older adults who have received wisdom through living and experiences, we still have times of doubt, fear and the lack of faith. Graying in Grace — 4 — © 2017, Pastor Brad Hales Jesus knows that we’re imperfect and lack trust in God. We’re sinners. That’s why He shed His blood and died on the cross. But as redeemed people, those bought for a price, we need to continually repent, turning away from the things that will harm us and toward the loving Savior. As King David, we are called to have “a heart for God.” Being a disciple of Christ can be a costly thing. It may cause discomfort with family members and friends. It may cause us to be persecuted for our faith. But it will provide us great hope and joy. The Lord is calling us to “Follow Him.” Are we ready for the experience? Please read and meditate upon these additional texts concerning the cost of discipleship. • Matthew 10:34-39 • Luke 9:57-62 Graying in Grace — 5 — © 2017, Pastor Brad Hales Questions for Discussion (1) Are we willing to be disciples of Jesus even at a cost? Why or why not? (2) What might the personal cost be to you? (3) Why is it hard to “turn away” from the things of this world? What is holding us back? (4) Even at a cost, what’s the promised reward for following Christ? Graying in Grace — 6 — © 2017, Pastor Brad Hales Session #3 – Graying Disciples: “Just Do It” According to God’s Word, disciples of Jesus are called to do specific things. The Marks of Discipleship Studying the Word We learn about Jesus Loving We change lives Praying We listen and grow closer to God Worshiping We give God thanks and praise Servanthood We give of ourselves to touch a life for the Lord Forgiving We forgive as Jesus has forgiven us Generosity We give as God has blessed us Fellowship We spend time with other believers Witnessing We share Jesus with others Ministering We share the Good News to a hurting world Discipling As disciples, we make disciples Are we ready to “Just Do It”? Disciples… “Study the Word” John 8:31-32 – So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Clearly, we are being compelled to read, study, and share God’s Word. Because the Word made flesh is Jesus, the Way, the Graying in Grace — 7 — © 2017, Pastor Brad Hales Truth, and the Life. In Holy Scripture, we literally find strength, support, hope and eternity. Simply… – We need to read God’s Word every day. – We need to get involved in a small group Bible study. – We need to teach the Word to future generations. As written in Deuteronomy 11:18-19: “You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul … teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise.” As “The Word” is read, we must ask ourselves some questions.